Orion Audio buys rights to backlist suspense from Peter James

Ten backlist Peter James suspense novels will be published in audio for the first time after Orion Audio bought world rights from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann.

The Truth, read by Matt Addis with a new introduction recorded by Peter James himself, will be released this month. The remaining nine releases, coming over three years, will bring "the whole of Peter's classic backlist" into audio unabridged, including Sweetheart, Faith, Host, Twilight, Dreamer, Alchemist, Possession, Denial and Prophecy.   

Paul Stark, senior audio manager at Orion, said: "Peter’s such a big bestseller in audio, it’s long been an ambition of mine to work with him. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to release these titles in audio for the first time."

James said: "There is something magical about listening to an audio book: it takes you back to the very roots of storytelling – the oral tradition – long before the printed word existed.  Listening to the spoken words can sometimes give us an even stronger connection to the author than reading them.  I’m thrilled at Orion’s initiative in making these ten backlist titles available in this medium for the very first time.  And I loved reading and recording the new introduction to The Truth."

In 2016, Pan Macmillan bought audio rights to 11 of James’ books, including six backlisted titles in the Roy Grace series, in an attempt to unify the author's audio publishing under one roof.